Is the advancement of diabetic angiopathy evaluated as ankle-brachial index directly associated with current glycaemic control?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Diabetic patients are at high risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) characterized by symptoms of intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia. Measurement of ankle-brachial index (ABI) has emerged as the diagnostic tool of choice, because it is relatively simple, non-invasive and inexpensive. It is also an independent marker of increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the presented study was to assess the relationship between current glycemic control defined by glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level, and quantitative changes in the arteries of the lower limbs in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS 175 patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized in the Diabetology Ward were studied. VENO Doppler and a sphygmomanometer were used to assess blood flow. RESULTS The average level of HbA(1c) was assessed at 8.48%. Although the average level of ABI indicator was 1.20 (normal), only 45% of evaluated patients had their individual index within the normal range. Signs of ischemia were found in 17.7% of examined subjects. There was no conclusive correlation between ABI and HbA(1c) levels. CONCLUSIONS The current level of glycemic control evaluated as HbA(1c) has no direct impact on the advancement of diabetic angiopathy evaluated as ABI.